F1 News: Valtteri Bottas thrilled after Mexico qualifying P6

Valtteri Bottas emerged as the stand-out performer from qualifying in Mexico, putting himself in between the two Ferrari machines to start from P6.

Alfa Romeo’s C42 has rediscovered its performance from earlier in the season as the team looks to fight back against Aston Martin in the battle for sixth.

Bottas demonstrated the form that saw him secure several important points finishes early in the season and intends to take his first top-10 finish since Canada on the Sunday race.

Speaking to the media post-qualifying, Bottas reflected on a very encouraging session:

“It’s been a while since we had a result like this in qualifying, and I think it’s really uplifting for the whole team. 

“We’ve been performing well since the start of the week and being able to just carry that performance from practice on. 

“Considering the altitude and the smooth surface, it actually feels good. 

“It’s been quite an easy car to drive. In a way, the kerbing has been good – and since practice one, I just had good confidence. 

“We started also with the right set-ups, just fine-tuning and building up from a good practice one.

“I think we have a good base; we’ve seen also in long runs also the pace is there. I think we should hopefully be the best of the midfield, let’s say. 

“All we need is a good clean lap 1, and that way, hopefully, we can have a good race.”